FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2017
MEDIA CONTACT:  Caroline Taylor
Communications Manager
(703) 525-2400
Arlington Chamber Urges County Board to Delay Action on Plan that Could Impact Residents' Property
Vote on proposed Housing Conservation District Framework will take place Saturday, December 16
ARLINGTON, Va. - The Arlington Chamber of Commerce is calling on the Arlington County Board to oppose moving forward with the approval of the proposed Housing Conservation District (HCD) Policy Framework, which would limit the development potential of a property, impede access to financing for property owners to reinvest in these properties, and could discourage redevelopment of older housing. In addition, the County Board's fast-tracking of this proposal -- a process that has lacked any inclusive, community review -- has prevented businesses and residents from having the appropriate amount of time to fully understand these changes and potentially damaging impacts. The Chamber is concerned that this proposal could have unintended consequences that could hinder housing affordability over the long term. 

"The Framework's removal of by-right uses, with delayed implementation of any incentives, for preserving market affordable housing is not in keeping with the incentive-based, market-driven approach that was adopted through the Affordable Housing Master Plan -- a plan built through a community process with input and support from all relevant stakeholder groups," said Kate Bates, President & CEO of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. "Further, the County's failure to provide any notice to property owners that would be affected by the Framework is inconsistent with Arlington's established government process and the level of transparency the community has come to depend on. The County should delay action and take the necessary time to work with all relevant stakeholders to form a thoughtful, sustainable plan."

Despite strong requests from the Chamber, Economic Development Commission, Lee Highway Alliance, and other stakeholder groups and individuals to defer action, the County Board approved the Request to Advertise the HCD Framework in November. The County Board will vote on whether to adopt the Framework this Saturday, December 16 .

A list of the properties that would be impacted by the Framework can be found here. 

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For access to this release and other statements by the Chamber, click here.
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Founded in 1924, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is a member-centric, volunteer-based, non-profit organization of approximately 700 businesses committed to the economic and civic well being of the community. For more information or to become a member, visit the Chamber website.